SHEPHERDSVILLE--Even though he only started playing guitar at 14, Austin Whitely has always been an artist at heart. And it was gift that helped him battle through some of the darkest years of his life seven years ago.

In 2007, Whitely’s brother, Dylan, died which led to his “downward spiral.” He dropped out of school, spent time in jail and overdosed on drugs 15 times.

When Megan Weihe submitted her audition tape for the Kentucky Children’s Chorus, she was prepared either way.

“I really wanted to be selected but this was also the first year I was eligible,” said the Crossroads Elementary School fifth grader.

Persons who pick kids based on their audio efforts were impressed by Megan’s combination of classical/choral style for the audition CD. All students were asked to sing an arrangement of America the Beautiful composed by the Kentucky Children’s Choir director, Ruth Dwyer.